NEWS ITEMS

Stalbridge Garden Society produce a newsletter each month. Here is the October edition...

​Brian Spiller our chairman welcomed everyone to the October meeting in the congregational church.This evening was our “Apple competition” and it was great to see a nice display of dessert and cooking apples.Our speaker was Marcus Dancer who has his own plant nursery on the edge of the New Forest, in Fordingbridge. He brought along some of his more unusual perennial plants. As the talk was entitled “New and exciting plants for your garden”.Marcus talked about the plants he had brought along then passed around lots of nice coloured photographs for us to see these plants when they are in bloom.He explained to us how he goes about collecting new varieties and seed, he goes to great lengths to track down different hardy plants.Some of which I have listed below:-Leucanthemum called real charmer, a coreopsis called daybreak, a nice red and yellow form, a toadflax named peachy, a lovely campanula, ringabell mulberry rose very free flowering.New autumn colour plants such as euphorbia Tasmanian tiger and a lovely variegated eryngium called jade frost, which I purchased myself.Just a few more that you might like to add to your garden. Clematis Cassandra a self-supporting dwarf blue variety, a dwarf choisya named white dazzler, Salvias, Wendy’s wish and blue note and three new varieties of thalictrums look out for hewilts double pink.This was a brilliant talk by Marcus, the photos made it really interesting, and we had the chance to buy some of his unusual plants at the end of his talk.Moving onto the apple competition which was kindly judged by Eric Williams.These results were as follows:-Cooking: - 1st Angela Flavell 2nd Joan Bryon 3rd Dennis Ketcher h/c Geoff GreenoughDessert: - 1st Brian Spiller 2nd Gordan Spiller 3rd Geoff Greenough h/c Michelle HowellNext month the talk is “Views from the saddle” with Eric Watson this an interesting and different talk so do come and join us in Stalbridge hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 9th November.The weather seems to be very mild for this time of year with dahlias and even sweet peas still flowering, carrots and even courgettes are still hanging on, and primroses are also in bloom.Enjoy the rest of your harvest in this mild spell I am sure” jack frost” will appear soon.

Our Super Stalbridge Supermarket Dike & Son of Stalbridge has taken the decision to start charging for plastic carrier bags. Unlike other "supermarkets" all the money accrued from this will go to charity. We are trying to promote this on Stalbridge Info so no-one is caught short, but if you are, and you get charged for your bags please don't get grumpy. Just remember that you are contributing to charity until you can remember to bring your own bags, or buy one of their lovely jute bags to carry home your lovely purchases from this highly respected independent store. As a spokesperson for Dikes said..."from tomorrow (Monday 30th October) please note that we will be charging 2p for our plastic carrier bags. The money will go to our Charity Fund, Making A Difference Locally. We hope this will help more carrier bags to be reused and recycled, better for the planet!" So it's up to you...2p or not 2p, that is the question!Dikes have a long history of innovation and progress since their inception in 1851..."The Dike family have played a large part in the community since 1851 when they were grocers, but more predominantly bakers back then. In 1909 three cottages in Ring Street, Stalbridge, were purchased by William James Dike, (William Dike's grandfather) and were demolished and rebuilt as a grocery shop and a bake house. It was these premises that served the family proudly for just short of 100 years, witnessing numerous extensions and changes over that period.To find out more of the history of this Stalbridge Institution click on the button below and follow their timeline of the Dike family phenomenon...

​It's that time of year when you start thinking about your Christmas decorations. If you are thinking of a colour theme change or just have too much tinsel we would be really glad to receive it to use at the Lantern making sessions for the Stalbridge Lantern Parade on Friday 1st December. There is a collection box in the Hub@Stalbridge reception for any donations, which will be most gratefully received. Thank you from Stalbright Special Events For Stalbridge xThe Hub opening hours are Monday & Friday afternoons from 14:00 to 16:00, Tuesday; Wednesday & Saturday mornings from 09:30 to 12 Noon. Closed – on Thursday & Public Holidays.

The Hub is situated just off Station Road in Stalbridge.The telephone number during opening hours is: 01963 364177

We would like as many children and adults as possible to make a lantern and join the Stalbridge Lantern Parade on Friday 1st December, meeting in Stalbridge Close at 5.30pm and processing to The Ring at Stalbridge for the Light Up Stalbridge Celebrations. There are 2 ways to do this...You can make your own Lantern at home, or you can come to one of our FREE Stalbright Lantern Workshops in the Scout Hall, Please note this year we will be asking you to provide your own lights / torches to be fitted into your lanterns. The sessions take place on Sat 18th & Sat 25th November . The Morning sessions run from 10am-12 noon and the Afternoon sessions from 2-4pm.Its not just for the kids! Artistic adults and those who just think they are a most welcome! Places are limited to 30 makers per session so booking is essential. You can register to take part in the parade with the lantern you have made at home or book your place at one of the lantern making sessions...just click on the button below to register for the parade or the workshops. We need everyone to register for 2 reasons... Firstly, so we know how many people are joining the parade, and secondly for Elf and Safety reasons. (if you book a place at one of the making sessions we will automatically register you for the parade) Please note that only lanterns with battery powered lighting can be used at the parade (also for elf and safety reasons!)

Grass Roots Garden Centre in Henstridge is ​**UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT ** Make a break from your regular garden centre and pop down to Grassroots Garden & aquatics centre this weekend. WE have new perennials, and long and short grasses arriving fresh on Friday! We have 25% off "old plant stock" and special offers in the aquatics shop. We can not guarantee sunshine, but we can guarantee a warm welcome and plenty of bargains. Let your friends know.

They've left it a bit late to advertise it properly but the Stalbridge Friday Morning Coffee Group are having a bazaar tomorrow (Saturday 28th) in Stalbridge Hall from 2pm to 4pm. Lots of stalls, tombola, raffle, cake stall, teas and lots more. 50p entry.

So who are the "Coffee Groupies"?The group was formed in 1971 by the late Liz Basset with the intention of mixing the “natives” of Stalbridge with the “foreigners” that had moved into the then NEW estate of Westacres. It seems to have worked because 44 years later and some years after the death of Liz we are getting stronger. New faces are always welcome.

We meet for coffee each Friday Morning, in the HALL It is a non-denominational group, and you do not have to be a member in fact we do not have a membership. The idea is that any one can drop in for Coffee or tea & Biscuits and a natter.Age is no barrier and we do have a number men who congregate on one table, and leave us women to talk amongst ourselves. All very civilised.Any profit that is made during the year both from our bazaars, cream teas, BBQs and monthly raffles etc. Goes to local charities & deserving causes

​THE WHITE HART LINK is an exciting and wide-ranging project which has been set up to create a 50 mile circular walking route linking the five towns of North Dorset. THE WHITE HART LINK project has entered the Aviva Community Fund hoping to win funds for signposting and interpretation boards. Find out more and vote for us by clicking on the button below. Only projects with the most votes will become finalists. Show your support by voting White Hart Link and make a real difference. It only takes a couple of minutes.Why vote for this project?A team of talented and enthusiastic volunteers is ready and waiting to complete the detailed design of information boards and to erect both them and the fingerposts. This will help to make the first link a top notch path and set a high standard for the rest of the project.

It might be a bit late for them to be advertising this but it's a very worth while cause...The brave folks from Sandhills Care Home & the Stalbridge Cub Scout Group are undertaking a 24 hour relay walk around the Sandhills garden on Friday 27 October commencing at 8am.Raising funds for Sandhills & the Stalbridge Cub Scouts. If you would like to sponsor their marathon effort please contact the team on 01963 362247. Sponsor forms are also located at Dikes counter and Ring Street filling station, thank you!

Film, Popcorn and Ice Cream at The Congregational Church in Stalbridge. On Wednesday 8th November at 7pm they are screening "Dad's Army", starring Bill Nighy and Catherine Zeta-Jones.​As usual, the film is free. Refreshments are 50p per item.

Can you recognise this Stalbridge Cricket Team? The dream team pictured here from 1956 contained some very well known members of the community. To find out who they are just click on the button below to visit the "Teams" section of our "Old photos of Stalbridge" pages.​We would like to thank Mr. Chris Hughes from Shropshirefor kindly sending this photo to Stalbridge Info Community website.

Cricket has been played in Stalbridge Park for about 190 years - in fact, there must be a bi-centennial coming up in the next 10 years or so for this well respected Dorset club. Find out more about the history of the 'Anglesey' men by clicking on the button below...

Stalbridge YuleFest have sold over 100 tickets to their Christmas Extravaganza. It looks like it's going to be a special evening for Stalbridge on Friday December 8th. As the YuleFest website explains: "There's plenty to do in Dorset over the summer but relatively little over the winter. We've created an event that appeals to the whole family, young and old, with music, good food and drink, children's entertainment and festive shopping opportunities. All are located undercover in a decorated and fairy-lit village of marquees and tipis surrounded by the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas.For adults there's live music from a variety of bands plus an Oktoberfest style bar offering a variety of quality German pilsners. For children there's a dedicated marquee with disco, bouncy castle, skittle alley and face painting. Stone-baked pizzas, authentic German sausages, mulled wine and warm mince pies will be on offer and a variety of stall holders will be selling Christmas trees, wreaths, gifts, food and drink.There are a limited number of tickets due to site and licensing restrictions so don't leave it until the day, book your tickets online and we look forward to seeing you there!"A family ticket is £25 and under 5s are free. All profit from the event will be split between the primary school in Stalbridge and a children's cancer charity - so your ticket money goes a long way. And just in case you are thinking "Isn't it going to be a wash out if it rains?" The organisers have arranged 15,000 square feet of covered, HEATED marquees and tipis for the event and there will be ground protection mats between the marquees.​So book the date in your diary, then buy your tickets, either from Candys Newsagent in Stalbridge or from the YuleFest website, where you can find out more info on the event itself.

​Henstridge Airfield Mega Car Boot Sale is BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!! We're having an AUTUMN SPECIAL! Sunday 22nd October! Same details - Sellers from 10am, Buyers from 11amHave a good sort out ready for the autumn and grab some bargains while you're here. Pitches £5 cars, £7 vans/trailers Sellers from 10am, plenty of room so there's no rush! Buyers free entry from 11am, no admission before this. 🐶 Dogs more than welcome, ample parking, toilets and disabled parking is available. Our tea tent will be open for all your refreshments and the cafe for hot food 🍛🍔🍟Don't miss out on the final one of the year 😁

​Oakland Collectibles launch their new shop this Saturday 21st October from 9am to 1pm at Spire Hill Farm in Stalbridge. Oakland Collectibles is an expanding family company specialising in authentic French vintage Collectibles sourced in the brocantes and markets of France. "To say we are excited about our shop opening would be an understatement... the amount of interest we have in our products is just amazing...thank you. We will reveal all on the launch and we only source interesting and unique items..."And while you're there you could pop in to Thyme After Time Cafe where Margot and the team serve from their Saturday breakfast/brunch menu only from 8am-2.30pm.Have a look at the map below to see how to get to Oakland Collectibles and Thyme After Time Cafe.

​Grays of Stalbridge invite you toCome and help us Celebrate our 2nd Birthday with tea, coffee and cakes from 9am till 4pm on Thursday 9th of November.The first 12 customers to spend £10 or over on the day will receive a Birthday Present

​STALBRIDGE CUB PACK COFFEE MORNING SATURDAY 21ST OCTOBER 10.00am TO 12noon SCOUT HQ. ALL PROCEEDS TO RNLIAs a charity, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) depends on your support to help them meet the cost of saving lives at sea. Their volunteer lifesavers give their time for free, but they need training, well-maintained equipment, lifeboats and shore facilities. Your support means their crews can save lives quickly, safely and effectively.​Please come and support your local cub scout pack this Saturday and help them to raise funds for the vital work of the RNLI.

Oonagh Langrishe​ from The English Florist at Spirehill in Stalbridge invites you to herWillow Wreath Workshop on Friday 10th November at 10:00–13.00 at The English Florist, Spire Hill, Cooks Lane, Stalbridge, DT10 2SG ​ (Next to Thyme after time Cafe and Catering)

Spend a relaxed morning learning how to weave a willow wreath. I will show you step by step how to make the wreath base out of willow and then how to decorate it using a selection of dried seed heads, berries and foliage. When finished the wreath can be hung on your front door or used as an internal decoration over the Christmas period. The willow base can be kept and re-decorated each year in a different style.​​No experience necessary! All materials included. £35.00 per person. Free tea, coffee and cake!

Oonagh Langrishe​ from The English Florist at Spirehill in Stalbridge invites you to herHalloween Floristry Workshop on Saturday 28th October from 10am to 1pm at The English Florist, Spire Hill, Cooks Lane, Stalbridge, DT10 2SG ​ (Next to Thyme after time Cafe and Catering)

​Come and spend a fun morning learning how to make a floral table centre which can be used for your Halloween celebrations. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm! All of the skills you will be taught can be transferred for future use to create further table centres and other floral arrangements.

All tools, flowers and foliage will be provided for you... including pumpkins!

Parking, toilets and cafe on site.

£28 per person, including free tea and coffee throughout the morning.

Book online, or drop the money and your contact details into our studio (or through the letter box) at Spire Hill.

​Children's Half Term Craft Workshop at Forge Fabrics in Stalbridge on Friday 27 October from 10.00am–2.00pmThis is a Christmas craft workshop where children will make a felt Christmas decoration, to do do this they will learn hand sewing skills and have an enjoyable day crafting.

We recommend this is best for over 7's but this is flexible.

A packed lunch will be required.

All materials will be included in the price.

The cost is £20 and a £5 deposit is required to secure a place.01963 548138FORGE FABRICS, RING STREET STALBRIDGE DT10 2LZ

​Hey there! We are Care Cover Dorset, a brand-new Care Agency based in Dorchester.Care Cover Dorset is made up of a fun, friendly team of people who work in residential and nursing homes across Dorchester, Weymouth and surrounding areas.We have just taken on a home in Stalbridge and have many hours to fill!Is Care Work for you?? Luckily Care Cover Dorset is in major expansion mode!Not only can we offer you excellent rates of pay, flexible working hours to suit your needs and training, we can also give you the opportunity to make a difference to peoples’ lives whilst having the support from an amazing team.With the constant demand for care growing, we are looking for more team members to join us in providing exceptional care to those that are in need.Do you want to feel rewarded and applicated whilst at work?Are you a genuine caring person with great communication skills??Do you take pleasure in what you do and perform to a high standard??Want to be able to control your own hours?Do you currently hold any Care qualifications or experience? If not, training can be given.If this sounds like you then please contact Theresa or Hannah in the Care Cover Dorset office as we would love to meet you!!Please call us on 01305 230325 or pop in with a CV and a chat! You will find us at 28 Trinity Street, Dorchester. Just follow the stairs to the top! Or alternatively email your CV to office@carecoverdorset.co.ukAt Care Cover Dorset, we take so much pride in what we do and have the chance for you to contribute and be part of quality care in the future.We look forward to hearing from you!

Spectra Musica is delighted to be appearing at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Gillingham on Saturday 25th November at 7.30 pm. The concert, ‘Autumn Leaves’ will be the group’s first performance at the church under the direction of the experienced, internationally known musician Peter Leech, who brings such energy and enthusiasm to Spectra Musica.The programme will include two works by Mozart – the Ave Verum Corpus and less well known Misericordias Domini which was written in less than a week for High Mass in Munich in 1775. Also included is Jeremiah Clarke’s anthem ‘Praise the Lord’ which was performed for the coronation of Queen Anne in April 1702. Many more composers will feature and it is hoped that some of the lighter pieces will bring a smile to your face.Concert pianist Anita D’Attellis will be accompanying the group and will feature throughout the evening.Tickets are £12 from 01963 350160, on the door or at tickets@spectramusica.co.ukFor more information go to www.spectramusica.co.uk

Grays of Stalbridge invite you toCome along and make a Christmas pudding cross stitch card and enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Thursday 16th November from 18:30–20:30£12 per person.To secure your place please pay a £5 deposit.

The Round Pound is disappearing ! From 15 October, shops can refuse the old version of the £1 coin. Andrew Jones, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury says "The clock is ticking. We are urging the public to spend, bank or donate their old pound coins before they cease to be legal tender".However, most banks and Post Office counters will continue to accept them from customers although they have no obligation to do so.If you are shopping and get an old £1 coin in your change before the deadline of midnight on Sunday, you can politely ask the store to change it for a new one, but strangely enough they don’t have to as it’s still legal tender! After the 15th October deadline the shops won't be allowed to give you an old coin as change so you can refuse to take it if they accidentally do. Many self-service machines at shops, and ticket vending machines have already stopped taking the old £1 coin, as the machines have been changed to accommodate the new one.There are also many charity collection boxes that will have old pound coins in them, so if you are responsible for emptying them you need to be quick!